Tidehaven community grieves death of THS senior

The early Friday morning death of Tidehaven High School senior Micah Martinez was a shock not only for the Tidehaven community and for many others in Matagorda County.
The popular 17-year-old who was active in band and drama was described to be in medical distress and was taken from the high school by EMS to Matagorda Regional Medical Center at 7:52 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, Matagorda County Sheriff’s Department reports show.
At the hospital, the teenager was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. Friday by JP 4 Mark Finlay, who ordered an autopsy to determine a cause of death. That autopsy will be done by the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“We are working with our students and staff today and will make counseling resources available to them as needed,” Tidehaven Superintendent Dr. Andrew Seigrist said Friday morning.
Darve Smith directs Tidehaven drama productions and recalls Martinez’s contributions.
“Tidehaven High School lost a shining star and a great young man today,” Smith said Friday.
“Micah was very talented and made me feel like a better director with every performance. He was the ultimate entertainer and put his heart and soul into every performance.
“I am honored to have had the opportunity to be his director, teacher, mentor and friend for the past four years,” Smith added.
A poignant scene occurred Saturday, Feb. 3, during a Tidehaven-Van Vleck boys’ basketball game where players and coaches from both teams huddled in mid-court in a moment of prayer for the Tidehaven community.
A gofundme account created to help the family pay for funeral and medical expenses raised $4,290 from 50 people in a day, the website indicated at presstime Tuesday night, Feb. 6. The goal is $13,500.

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